The atmosphere in Indianapolis was nothing short of electric last week as more than 70,000 students, teachers, alumni, and agricultural leaders gathered for the 98th Annual National FFA Convention & Expo. The event, one of the most anticipated gatherings in the agricultural education community, once again highlighted the passion and promise of the next generation of farmers, innovators, and rural leaders. Among the many organizations participating, Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO) stood proudly at the forefront — celebrating 40 years of partnership with the National FFA Organization and reaffirming its mission to help grow the future of agriculture in America.
This year’s convention carried extra meaning for Tractor Supply. The company was presented with the Distinguished Service Citation, one of the National FFA Organization’s highest honors, awarded to organizations that have made a lasting, transformative impact on agricultural education nationwide. The recognition represents not only a celebration of Tractor Supply’s contributions but also a reflection of the company’s deep-rooted values — supporting young people, educators, and communities that fuel the agricultural sector.
“Platinum partners like Tractor Supply Company ensure that FFA continues to deliver transformative programs that empower our members for career success,” said Jim Williams, Executive Director of the National FFA Foundation. “Tractor Supply is truly deserving of this recognition.”
For Tractor Supply, the award represents decades of dedication to FFA’s mission of cultivating leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The partnership has evolved into one of the most successful corporate-nonprofit collaborations in the agricultural community, demonstrating how the private sector can make a powerful difference in advancing education and community development.
“It’s humbling to be recognized by FFA — an organization that truly embodies the spirit of leadership and service,” said Joe Fell, Vice President of Merchant Operations at Tractor Supply and a member of the FFA Sponsors’ Board. “At Tractor Supply, we believe in helping young people explore their passions, build confidence, and develop the skills that will sustain rural communities for generations to come.”
Honoring Individual Contributions to Agricultural Education
Beyond the corporate recognition, the convention also shined a spotlight on three Tractor Supply team members who received one of FFA’s most prestigious individual honors — the Honorary American FFA Degree. This award is the highest distinction bestowed upon individuals who have provided outstanding service and dedication to advancing agricultural education and supporting FFA students nationwide.
This year’s honorees from Tractor Supply included:
- Mary Winn Pilkington – Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Public Relations, and President of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation
- Marti Skold-Jordan – Former Executive Director of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and Manager of Community Relations
- Lexie Gamble – Manager of Local Store Community Marketing
Each recipient has played a critical role in strengthening Tractor Supply’s community engagement and ensuring that FFA students across the country have the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed.
“The FFA holds a special place in our hearts at Tractor Supply,” said Pilkington, reflecting on the honor. “Seeing these students’ passion, creativity, and leadership gives us tremendous hope for the future of agriculture. We’re honored to support them as they learn, grow, and lead the communities that will define tomorrow’s rural America.”
Making the Convention Experience Possible for All
While awards and honors took center stage, Tractor Supply’s true impact could be felt in the lives of students who were able to attend the convention thanks to the company’s continued generosity. This year, Tractor Supply provided travel assistance funding to help five FFA chapters from across the country experience the event firsthand.
For many of these chapters, coming to Indianapolis represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a chance to connect with peers, meet industry leaders, and participate in educational sessions that could shape their futures. The supported chapters included:
- Riverdale High School – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Midd-West High School – Middleburg, Pennsylvania
- Don Lugo High School – Chino, California
- Clark County Schools – Winchester, Kentucky
- Pagosa Springs High School – Pagosa Springs, Colorado
These schools represent rural and suburban communities where agricultural programs often operate with limited resources but unlimited enthusiasm. With Tractor Supply’s support, students from these regions joined thousands of their peers to celebrate innovation, leadership, and the enduring legacy of American agriculture.
“Programs like this are the reason FFA continues to thrive,” noted one teacher attending the convention. “When companies like Tractor Supply step up, they help ensure that every student — no matter where they come from — has the opportunity to dream bigger.”
Living the Values of Service and Stewardship
In keeping with its commitment to hands-on community engagement, Tractor Supply also participated in a collaborative environmental service project during the convention. The company joined forces with Cargill and Living Lands & Waters, bringing together volunteers from all three organizations along with hundreds of FFA students.
Together, they spent a day removing invasive plant species from a local Indianapolis park, contributing to the restoration of native habitats and the preservation of local ecosystems. The effort underscored FFA’s values of service and sustainability — and reflected Tractor Supply’s own long-standing belief in giving back to the communities it serves.
“Projects like this bring FFA’s mission to life,” said Fell. “They remind us that agriculture isn’t just about growing crops — it’s about cultivating stewardship, teamwork, and respect for the land.”
A Legacy of Partnership and Investment in the Future
The National FFA Convention marks a fitting milestone for Tractor Supply as it celebrates 40 years of partnership with FFA in 2025. Over those decades, the company has become a cornerstone of FFA’s success, supporting countless initiatives that foster education, leadership, and community impact.
Among its signature efforts is the Grants for Growing program — an annual fundraising initiative that provides grants to FFA chapters nationwide for local agricultural projects. In addition, Tractor Supply has committed significant financial support to educational programs that directly benefit rural youth.
In 2022, the company announced a $5 million commitment over five years to establish the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship Fund, the largest agricultural scholarship of its kind in the nation. Since its inception, 435 scholarships have been awarded, helping students pursue degrees in agricultural sciences, business, technology, and other disciplines vital to the industry’s future.
Applications for the 2026–2027 scholarship cycle are already open, ensuring that even more young people will have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams with Tractor Supply’s backing.
As the convention concluded, one theme resonated clearly among attendees — that the future of agriculture depends on the next generation’s passion, leadership, and creativity. Through its enduring partnership with FFA, Tractor Supply is helping make that future brighter, stronger, and more sustainable.
“For 40 years, we’ve stood alongside FFA to support students who are shaping the future of agriculture,” Pilkington said. “And as we look ahead, our commitment remains the same — to empower every young leader to dream big, work hard, and make a difference in their community and the world.”
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